Shimano says goodbye to cables on the XTR

XTR Intro

Until now, Shimano's Di2 drivetrain has always involved cables: for the power supply and communication between the components. This is now a thing of the past as the Japanese company presents its first mountain bike component group that relies on wireless technology and a battery in the rear derailleur. Shimano is also leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the brakes.

Battery in the rear derailleur

As flat as possible: The new XTR rear derailleur relies on a low-profile design and thus avoids obstacles as much as possible. Should a crash nevertheless occur, the derailleur can automatically restart itself with an automated recovery function. A battery is located inside the rear derailleur for the power supply - and to eliminate the need for cables. This can be removed or recharged integrated into the bike or rear derailleur. The E-bike version of the XTR derailleur is not completely cable-free, as it can be powered by the E-bike battery. Cassettes with 10-51 and 9-45 teeth can be shifted with a long and a mid-cage version.

Crank and cassette

A revised 12-speed cassette and a new crank are also being launched. The latter is available in a version for enduro/trail and cross-country use. The cassette does not reinvent the wheel, the standards are familiar and are 12-speed Hyperglide+ and Micro Spline.

Shift levers

The shift levers are completely new: they no longer have a cable connection, i.e. they work wirelessly and are equipped with so-called paddles. These can be individually configured - also using a third switch - to set shifting directions, control the bike computer or operate Free Shift and Auto Shift on the e-bike. Two button cell batteries are integrated for the power supply, which should last for around two years.

Full braking

It's not just the gears that are new, the brakes are also a breath of fresh air. The cable outlets that bring the hydraulic hoses close to the handlebars are eye-catching, which is useful for internal routing. As with the crank, there are two versions of the lever and brake calliper, one for enduro and one for cross country.

A well-rounded package

Shimano rounds off the new XTR with hubs and wheels. Here, too, there are of course editions for the lightweight and enduro factions. With a 3.5-degree angle, the rear hub quickly gets into the action when it comes to propulsion.

What's next?

With the introduction of wireless technology on the XTR, the days of the wired Di2 are probably numbered. According to the component hierarchy, it will probably soon be the turn of the XT groupset to say goodbye to cables.

bike.shimano.com